More MLB Players Added to "Unnaturals" List

The MLB steroids scandal is growing faster than Barry Bonds’ head. Now it has been revealed that other prominent major leaguers, who up to now weren’t suspected of any wrongdoing, took performance enhancing drugs as far back as 2002. The allegations keep coming to light as more and more of these steroid peddlers are getting caught.
I have a feeling that this situation is going to get worse before it gets better -- as we learn more about who took steroids and when they took them. It may finally reach a point where all baseball records broken between 1996 and 2005 (to be known throughout history as the “steroid era”) will be erased from the books, because no one can be sure which records are tainted and which ones are legitimate.
It’s a dark period in major league baseball, there’s no doubt about it. Pretty soon, the question won’t be about who took steroids, but rather about who didn’t. Baseball should take these most recent allegations to heart and start being even tougher on steroids. If the problem isn’t checked once and for all, it could surely ruin this great game forever.
This appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle this morning and was featured as a front page story:
Former major leaguers Matt Williams and Ismael Valdez also purchased performance-enhancing drugs, in 2002, from a Florida anti-aging clinic that was raided in February as part of an investigation by the Albany, N.Y., district attorney into alleged illegal drug sales, the newspaper said.
Major League Baseball began testing for steroids in 2003. HGH was banned in January 2005.
Power-hitting outfielder Jose Guillen bought nearly $20,000 worth of steroids and human growth hormone from 2003-05, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Tuesday.
The Chronicle received details of the players' orders in records from a source the newspaper didn't identify. Those records contained shipping and purchase orders, payment information, Social Security numbers and customers' birthdates, the paper said.
Guillen, 31, spent last season with the Seattle Mariners, batting .290 with 23 homers and 99 RBI. He split the 2003 season between Cincinnati and Oakland, and the Chronicle said business records indicate he had some of the drugs shipped to the Oakland Coliseum that year. He played for the Anaheim Angels in 2004 and Washington Nationals in 2005. Attempts by the Associated Press to reach him via cell phone were unsuccessful Tuesday.
Last week, the Mariners declined their $9 million option on Guillen's contract for next season. He has until Wednesday to decide if he wants to exercise his part of the mutual option at $5 million. If he does, the club can void the deal and pay him a $500,000 buyout. That would make Guillen a free agent.
Mariners president Chuck Armstrong told the AP the team remains interested in keeping Guillen.
"We thought he was an outstanding teammate. We were happy to have him. We know nothing about what happened in the past," Armstrong said. "I continue to admire and respect him greatly.
"Before I feel anything negative about Jose, I need to see something tangible or real."
Armstrong also said if Guillen exercises his option, the Mariners would need to investigate the allegations.
"I for sure would have to talk to Jose about this," Armstrong said.
Guillen just completed his 11th season in the majors. Records show he ordered more than $19,000 worth of drugs -- three kinds of human growth hormone, two types of testosterone and the steroids stanozolol and nandrolone -- from the Palm Beach Rejuvenation Center between May 2002 and June 2005, the Chronicle said.
Williams was a five-time All-Star during his 17-year major league career with San Francisco, Cleveland and Arizona. He was playing for the Diamondbacks in 2002 when records indicate he purchased $11,600 worth of growth hormone, steroids and other drugs, the Chronicle reported.

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This Week's Review: Siena Bistro in Willow Glen

There is a restaurant in Willow Glen that features some of the finest Italian cuisine that I have ever had. It’s called Siena Bistro and features Mediterranean food that is authentic and unique. We tried some of their signature dishes last night, and I can honestly say that everything we sampled was flavorful, well-prepared and expertly served. The place recently changed owners, and the new folks have really brought a positive energy and creative approach to the whole establishment. Siena’s new owner, David, is a seasoned chef/restaurateur who is well-known throughout the South Bay as a former co-owner of Hawg’s in Campbell, where he developed quite a following. At Siena, he has created an extensive menu of items that are equally pleasing to both the palate and the eyes. The restaurant is nestled slightly off the beaten path, on the backside of bustling Lincoln Avenue, but that makes it even more intimate and comfortable. With a beautifully enclosed patio and a spacious interior featuring earth tones and mirrored walls, Siena Bistro isn’t pretentious. It prides itself on being exactly what it is – a bistro with food that is prepared with passion. The other night when we visited Siena Bistro, we had the Scallops Salad (pan-seared sea scallops, orange segments, hazelnuts and mixed greens in a parmesan basket for $12.95/double scallops $17.50). The salad had a cornucopia of textures and flavors and was very fresh. The scallops were firm and slightly sweet. We also had the Cheese Tortellini with Smoked Chicken and Chantrelle Mushrooms in a Brandy Cream Sauce ($16.75). The tortellini was perfectly al dente and the cream sauce had a depth of flavor that was pleasing and memorable. Next up was the Herb Crusted Alaskan Salmon, which came topped with a Tuscan grape sauce ($21.75) and Warm Brie Salad, which consisted of mixed greens, candied pecans dressed with champagne vinaigrette ($12.75). I am so tired of the same old salads, so this one was a welcome change. I will surely order it during my next visit to Siena Bistro. Siena Bistro is located at 1359 Lincoln Avenue, in downtown Willow Glen. For reservations, call (408) 271-0837. They’re open for both lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday and for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Catering, bag lunches and take-out is always available.

Dog the Bounty Hunter Hounded for using "N" Word

Dog the Bounty Hunter is the latest celebrity to fall victim to the “N” word. You would think that these racists would have learned their lesson after watching people like comedian Michael Richards and radio talk show host Don Imus bite the dust for using the word that can end careers and spark an enormous worldwide backlash in a millisecond.
Use of this six-letter word is an invitation to self-destruction. Now. A&E has taken Dog the Bounty Hunter off the air. Talks to bring it back any time soon aren’t underway. Duane “Dog” Chapman is in big trouble and all I can say is that racists eventually get what they deserve.
A lot of people had questioned some of Chapman’s behavior in the past. He presented himself as a devout Christian, yet swore like a longshoreman on many episodes of his show. He was also criticized for being too physical with many of the bail jumpers he captured.
Overall, I liked the guy, however. He took his job seriously, campaigned against drugs and volunteered a lot of his time talking at prisons and counseling inmates. He even won several awards for his outreach efforts and seemed to be a good family man.
Everything seemed to be going well for the bail bondsman/reality TV star until his son starting dating a black woman. Chapman made a phone call where he dropped several “N’ bombs and forbade his son to see the woman. Obviously upset over the whole incident, his son Tucker recorded the phone conversation and leaked it to the press.
Now he’s on the run himself, avoiding the media and devising a comeback strategy. Apologies are surely forthcoming, but will that be enough? One thing is for sure – this is one dog that has been neutered and lost his once-vicious bark.
This appeared yesterday on the Reuters web site:
A reality TV show starring celebrity bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman was pulled from the air indefinitely on Friday, two days after a private phone conversation in which he used a racial slur was posted online.
Cable channel A&E suspended production of the fifth series of Chapman's popular show, "Dog the Bounty Hunter," as the phone call was made public on Wednesday, but on Friday the network went a step further.
"In evaluating the circumstances of the last few days, A&E has decided to take 'Dog The Bounty Hunter' off the network's schedule for the foreseeable future," an A&E spokesman said.
"We hope that Mr. Chapman continues the healing process that he has begun."
He said no decision had been made to cancel the program, which is shown in more than 10 countries, and the network will review the situation again in a couple of weeks.
Honolulu-based Chapman, 54, who says he is a devout Christian, has apologized for using the epithet "n-----" to describe a black woman being dated by his son, Tucker, and vowed to do whatever he can to repair the damage.
Chapman's lawyer was quoted in various media reports on Friday as saying that the conversation posted on The National Enquirer tabloid's Web site had been leaked by Tucker Chapman -- one of the crime-fighter's 12 children.
Chapman, a burly ex-con with long blond hair and leather wardrobe, rose to fame after his 2003 tracking and capture of Max Factor heir and serial rapist Andrew Luster in Mexico.
Media attention over that case led to an offer for a reality TV show tracking Chapman and his "posse" as they chase down people who skip bail and fail to show up in court.

Heather Mills Finding Out Her Life is a Hard Day's Night

What is it with the Beatles and their women? Many people have claimed that Yoko Ono led to the eventual breakup of the band. Anyone who has heard any of her albums must know she can’t sing. And now poor Paul McCartney is in a lengthy divorce case with his ex-wife.

Everyone associated with the couple has said that Mills is a star-chasing, money-grubbing leach who latched onto McCartney for money and fame, not love. Mills alienated many of McCartney’s closest friends with her rudeness and huge ego.

Now Mills is saying that she’s the victim. It’s pathetic, in my opinion. She’s backing off because she realizes that Paul has a lot more support in the media than she will ever possess. She’s been called out on her strong arm tactics and is now backpedaling at an alarming speed.

If everything that the press is saying about her is untrue, than why doesn’t she sue for libel? She could clean up. The fact is, it’s all true and the media has nothing to fear. Mills is exactly what many of us thought she was. No one is preying on her. In fact, if McCartney wasn’t such a good person, all of the truth about their failed relationship would really get out, and she’d really be getting some serious negative backlash.

The woman can cry all she wants, but I don’t see anyone running to her with a Kleenex. It’s a major case of what I call a “Karmatic snapback.” Mills created this situation and now wants to wriggle out of it because it’s become uncomfortable. But, that’s not going to happen, so now she’s threatening suicide.

Mills is my douche bag of the month, hands down. I can’t think of anyone more forgiving!

This appeared today on aol.com:

Heather Mills, estranged wife of former Beatle Paul McCartney, says Britain's tabloid media drove her "close to suicide" and wrongly cast her as a gold-digger.Mills appeared on British television on Wednesday to promote a campaign calling for a change in laws governing the media that would offer individuals greater protection, and asked viewers to visit Web site www.youcare.com to sign a petition.

"I've had 18 months of absolute abuse," Mills told GMTV in an interview during which she fought back tears several times."They've called me a whore, a gold-digger, a fantasist, a liar, the most unbelievably hurtful things."I've stayed quiet for my daughter. We've had death threats, I've been close to suicide ... I've had worse threats than a pedophile or a murderer, and I've done nothing but charity for 20 years," said Mills, 39.GMTV said Mills appeared on the show at her own request.Mills, who has a daughter Beatrice with McCartney, denied reports she had been offered a large financial settlement by the musician in what has become a bitter divorce battle."I have been offered nothing, OK?" she said.

"These figures are made up. 100 million (pounds), 50 million, 20 million ... How do you know if I even want any money? I'm 1-1/2 million in debt in lawyers' fees."The former model and charity worker denied reports she was holding out for the right to sell the story of her marriage to McCartney, 65, in the future."It's rubbish. I could sell my story right now. I'm trying to protect Paul and our daughter." The couple married in 2002 and split after four years.Mills said she had been the subject of 4,400 "abusive" articles and compared her situation to that of Kate McCann, the mother of missing girl Madeleine, and Princess Diana, who died after being chased by paparazzi."That is what we're doing as a nation, buying these newspapers," she told GMTV. "Every time you buy one of those you contribute to it. So force a change for responsible journalism."She said the "hate campaign" whipped up by some tabloid media put her and her daughter's life at risk."That's why I considered killing myself, because I thought if I'm dead, she's safe and she can be with her father."In a later television interview on BBC, Mills was asked: "Are you saying that Paul McCartney does not protect you and your child?" to which she replied: "I'm afraid not."McCartney's spokesman had no comment on the remark.

Dodgers Name New Manager

Kaido Lenhardt was announced as the new manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers today, replacing former skipper Grady Little, who resigned yesterday.

The first dog ever to be hired as a major league manager, Kaido has literally no experience managing a baseball team and the signing has many fans, sportswriters and others within the world of baseball scratching their heads.

Why was this beautiful 28-year-old flat coat retriever chosen to lead the Dodgers in 2008?

“He’s a very well-behaved mutt and he knows baseball,” Dodgers spokesperson Tommy LaSagna said. “When we threw him a baseball, he caught it in mid-air with his mouth. Joe Torre can't do that. He also showed us his signals, which were very impressive. One bark means bunt. A bark and a growl is the hit-and-run. We haven’t figured out what it means when he lifts his leg, however. We think it might be an indication that he’s unhappy with the umpire.”

Kaido’s contract is for one human year, which is seven years in dog time. It has been reported that he will be paid in kibble, doggy toys and a brand new, tri-level doghouse complete with a wading pool and hot tub.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting has really come a long way, with the new technology, innovative designs and incredible engineering. In the old days, anything with a light bulb that could shed light was considered workable. Now, with track lighting and lighting banks, recessed lighting and much more, you really can never go wrong. There’s something for every style and budget. The world of outdoor lighting is exciting, man – become a part of it and put some new lighting in the domicile in which you reside – you’ll be darn happy that you did!

D's Keepsake Jewelry

Whenever I find a good web site, I like to tell my readers about it. There’s a site out there called D’s Keepsakes, and it’s a great source for wholesale fashion jewelry. They have a wide selection of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants, watches, pins, key chains, badge holders and crystals. They have themed jewelry, for holidays, religious jewelry, kids’ jewelry, and all kinds of jewelry for different occasions.

Cliffside Malibu

So many people in this country today are addicted to some type of drug. It's become a huge problem. I am astounded whenever I hear of close friends who are hooked on prescription pain killers and things like that. That’s why drug rehabilitation centers are more popular now than ever. I just wrote an article recently for a wonderful drug rehab center in Malibu called Cliffside. These people are truly professional and really understand addiction and how to help people beat it. It’s a different approach for each individual and they succeed! If you know anyone who is addicted to something and it’s reached the serious stage – check them out. Drug rehabs have been getting a bad rap a lot lately, but this place is really special!

Bye Bye Bobblehead!

Barry Bonds is whining again. This time he’s complaining about the fact that the San Francisco Giants let him go. He said that the Giants would have already won a World Series championship if he was the team owner. He also said that San Francisco fans are his “family,” yet I have seen the man snub fans on several occasions with my own two eyes. If they’re his family, it’s a dysfunctional one.
The fact is that releasing Barry Bonds when they did was a very astute move by the Giants. With his bloated salary, huge head and enormous ego, Bonds had become a major liability in the City by the Bay.
Many of my friends who used to be big Barry supporters will now admit that it was time for him to hit the road. He will be more valuable to an American League team anyway – somewhere he can play Designated Hitter. Bonds needs a fresh start in a new city where the fans aren’t accustomed to his antics yet.
This appeared today on www.cbssportsline.com
The 43-year-old home run king heard a long list of his accomplishments read during a special speaking forum Wednesday night hosted by the Commonwealth Club, then was asked by KGO Radio host Ray Taliaferro if he had really reached all those feats.
Fourteen All-Star game selections. A record seven NL MVPs. Eight Gold Glove awards.
"I did, and then I got fired," Bonds told a group of about 450 people in the audience. "Shame on me, huh?"
Bonds, who broke Hank Aaron's home run record with No. 756 on Aug. 7, was told last month by Giants owner Peter Magowan he would not be brought back for a 16th season in San Francisco.
Bonds, dressed in a dark suit jacket and tie, entered to a roaring standing ovation and repeatedly drew loud applause from an adoring crowd through the nearly 90-minute forum. They chanted, "Barry! Barry!" One person hollered, "We love you." Others took pictures on cell phone cameras or sported shirts with Bonds' No. 25.
Yes, this was a glorified pep rally in a swanky downtown San Francisco hotel featuring five ovations and two of those standing -- for a star baseball player who didn't even stick around when his team paid tribute to him with a video presentation during the final home game of the season. Outside the ballroom where he spoke, Game 1 of the World Series between the Red Sox and Rockies at Fenway Park showed on a TV.
"I don't have fans in San Francisco -- this is my family," said Bonds, who used to bounce around the clubhouse at Candlestick Park as a boy while hanging out with his late father, Bobby, and Hall of Fame godfather Willie Mays.
When Taliaferro asked about Bonds' many splash-hit home runs, the slugger replied, "They call it McCovey Cove, but I've rewritten it a little bit."
That part of San Francisco Bay beyond the right field arcade of the Giants' waterfront ballpark is named for Hall of Famer Willie McCovey.
Bonds, who just completed his 22nd major league season, has 762 career home runs. Taliaferro read select questions from members of an audience that included actor Danny Glover, one asking Bonds whether he would play for $5 million and bat fifth for San Francisco if that were an option for 2008.
"I told Peter Magowan, 'If I'm a part-time player, I'm still better than your full-time player, and it's a wise idea to keep me,' " Bonds said.” We still have time. Things might change."
Bonds also said that if he were running the franchise, the Giants would have won a World Series by now. They fell five outs short in 2002, and one thing the slugger is still missing on his remarkable resume is a championship ring.